RIGA, LATVIA

I arrive with my brother from Tallinn to Riga by bus, after around six hours, but worth it. We traveled around the three Baltic States, Estonia, Latvian and Lithuania.

Riga is the capital of Latvia, is situated on the Baltic Sea coast on the mouth of the river Daugava. Riga is the largest city in the Baltic States. The Historic Centre of Riga has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the city is particularly notable for its extensive Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) architecture, which UNESCO considers to be unparalleled anywhere in the world.

Places to Visit:

The Doma Cathedral, the largest church in the Baltic states. Built in the 13th century, it was modified several times in its history. It has a magnificent organ that dates from 1844.
Riga Castle (Rīgas Pils), which houses the Museum of Latvian History and the Museum of Foreign Art.
St. Peter's Church, with its 123 m (404 ft) high tower.
St. John's Church, a small 13th-century chapel, behind St. Peter's Church.
The Powder Tower (Pulvertornis), the only tower that remains from the original city walls. The Latvian Museum of War is located inside.
Wooden architecture open air museum.
The Occupation Museum of Latvia













Latvia by different forces from 1940 to 1991.
Art Nouveau architecture on Central Riga streets such as Alberta and Elizabetes Iela.
Riga Radio and TV Tower - the third highest tower in Europe.
Motormuzejs (Motormuseum) - collection of retro automobiles, including some historically significant autos, for example, Brezhnev's and Stalin's limousines with waxworks of these political figures. Located in Mežciems.
Riga Zoo and Mežaparks(Forest Park) with a Ferris wheel.
Domina Shopping Centre - the largest shopping centre in the Baltic states (located in the North-West side of Purvciems).
Riga Circus - the only stationary circus in the Baltic States.
"Lido" Atputas Centers (Recreation Centre) - restaurant, beer garden, amusement park and gift shop about 10 minutes from the city center.

March 2007